Chapter 9
"Oh my," Ayako smiled to which Nanami giggled in response. Masako hid her smile behind her sleeve while John turned away, blushing. Bou-san just laughed out loud.
"I love your new pose," Noriko stated nodding, "Very stylish."
Kiryu just smirked and told Kashi, "This better not be your new way of harassing my little sister." (A/N: They've known each other since Mai was three and she thinks of Kiryu as an older brother so I thought it was only right for Kiryu to think of Mai as his little sister.)
"Oh shut up," Mai told them laughing.
"Though I did not plan this ending, I do like it a lot," Kashi grinned.
"You shut up too, Kashi," Mai lightly punching the boy on the chest.
Kiryu and Noriko had jumped over the sofa, landing on either side of the two. Mai and Kashi tried to move away, only to fall over with Mai upper body resting on top of Kashi's chest.
"Hey, you can't blame a guy for being honest. You do have a very soft chest."
"Stop analyzing what my chest feels like!"
Ayako raised an eyebrow, "I'm guessing from the fact that Mai doesn't look as red as a tomato and is laughing instead that she's used to this kind of stuff when it comes to Kashi."
Noriko laughed, "Why don't you try daily routine?"
Kashi grinned, "The fact that I do it a lot doesn't stop you and Kiryu from killing me for it."
Kiryu smirked, "What else do you expect?"
The conversation might have gone farther and gotten more interesting. However Naru chose that time to say in a rather cold voice, "Sorry to interrupt your little fun time. But we are on a case."
The others stopped laughing. Mai and Kashi got up quickly so that they wouldn't be yelled at by Naru. However, Kiryu and Bou-san, who at some point in time had walked over to stand by the grey-eyed man, smirked.
"So that's how it is," Kiryu murmured amusedly, only loud enough for the monk to hear and no one else.
"Someone's jealous~" Bou-san chuckled quietly to the man beside him.
Luckily Naru didn't notice the two as he looked at everyone to give their next orders, "All of you should go back to dinner, including Mai and Lin as they haven't eaten yet. I'll stay here and watch over base."
"What about you, Naru? You came back from dinner early too," Mai asked concernedly.
"I've already finished my dinner," Naru said, then adding as he turned to face the monitors, "But after you're done your dinner Mai, bring me some tea. Then you can join the others and go to bed."
"Alright," Mai nodded.
Everyone walked out the door, laughing as the joy from the chaos overtook them once again, the troubles of the case temporarily forgotten. Even Lin-san was smiling. Mai was right about to join them when Naru called out, "Mai," causing to turn to face him.
Naru didn't look up from the monitors as he continued, "Good job, Mai. I know it was probably hard for you to watch that dream again."
Mai turned bright red, stuttering a "Thank you" before running out closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door, partially covering her face with her hand. "Naru thanked me? Putting that aside, why am I blushing so much? He just thanked me!" Mai sat down and sighed, "Honestly, I am definitely hopeless."
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"Wait, where's Mai?" Kashi looked around.
"I'm here," Mai ran in. She had taken a few moments to calm down. In that short time, she had decided not to dwell on her unrequited feelings for Naru. Whatever is going to happen, will happen. The decision had allowed her to become happy again and not the forced kind.
Bou-san called to her, taking his place at the table, "Don't stay alone for too long."
Ayako nodded, "Remember the spirits are targeting you, Mai."
"Don't worry," Mai smiled and then gasped, looking around before turning to Noriko, "Where's Shou-chan?"
"He's sleeping in your room," Noriko answered.
Mai frowned, "What if the spirits reach him?"
John smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, Mai. I put a barrier around him so no spirit can reach him."
"But what if he gets hungry or doesn't feel well? We might not be able to hear him."
Masako touched the other girl's arm, "It's okay, Mai. There's a walkie-talkie beside him and Noriko has one with her. There's also one at the base. They're all turned on so we would know if there's something wrong with Shou-kun. There's no need for you to worry."
Mai was still frowning, but she nodded. Though of course, she wouldn't be completely happy until she was beside the little boy again.
Kiryu chuckled and reached out as though he wanted to take Mai's hand, "Come here. Sit beside me." On his right side, a dish was already there for her, filled with all her favourite foods.
Mai smiled at the man as she sat down beside him, "Thank you, Kiryu-nii."
The grey-eyed man placed his hand on the young girl's head and leaned into her ear, whispering, "Atta girl."
Mai turned to face him, wide-eyed. She knew he had been talking about her decision about not thinking about her feelings for Naru. Mai's expression softened and she chuckled, "You really do know me best."
Kiryu said nothing, opting to just smile instead before the two turned to their food as they joined the others' in casual conversation.
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Dinner passed quickly, filled with laughter and joy. "Just like a real family," Mai smiled to herself.
She was carrying the tea to Naru though before that, she had checked on Shou-chan. She couldn't help it. She was worried about the little boy. However he had been sleeping on her bed, peacefully. She smiled at the memory. He was so adorable.
"Naru! I brought your tea," Mai called as she walked in to find Naru and Lin-san looking at the monitors.
"Good," he said, not turning his eyes away from the screen.
"Honestly," Mai thought exasperatedly, "Would it kill him to say 'Thank you'? Well, I guess he did say good job before dinner. That's more than I would normally expect from him so I guess it's okay." Then out loud, she said, "Lin-san, would you like some tea as well?"
"Yes, Mai. Thank you," Lin turned to flash the girl a quick smile, before looking back at the screen.
"No problem," Mai said cheerfully, "I'm glad someone here knows how to say thank you."
"Isn't it enough that I pay you?" Naru told her without looking.
Mai just sighed, muttering, "It's called manners," before returning to the task of pouring the tea. Then she handed the two men their cups. She began walking out, but turned to ask Naru, "Is there anything do you want me to help you with before I go to my room?"
"No, you can go."
"Well, good night, Naru. Good night, Lin-san"
Naru just nodded while Lin-san replied, "Good night, Mai."
Mai smiled at Lin-san. Ever she had gotten to know him, they had gotten along better than Mai would have thought possible when she first met him. She felt glad that they could be so close. Still smiling at the thought, she walked out the door, not noticing that Naru had looked up to watch her leave.
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"Am I in another dream?" Mai looked around. It was dark like when she usually had her dreams. "Mariko? Gene? Are either of you out there?"
"I'm here, Mai," called a familiar voice from behind her. Mai turned to face Gene.
"Gene!" She ran up and hugged the boy.
"It's good to see you too," Gene laughed, hugging her back.
"It's too bad that Naru won't show that he cares like you do," Mai sighed. (A/N: Don't you love how they talk while still hugging. I bet Naru is jealous~ *hears sneezes in the distance* Sorry, Naru!)
"Don't worry," Gene said, his eyes twinkling, "He'll show that he cares."
Mai raised an eyebrow, "And when do you think that will be happening?"
Gene grinned, "A few years before you become my sister-in-law."
Mai blushed wildly, "Naru and I are NOT getting married."
Gene just laughed, "Whatever you say, sis!"
Mai punched his chest lightly, saying jokingly, "Just shut up, Gene!"
Gene ruffled her hair, his eyes tender and warm as he looked at the small girl. Mai smiled at the sight and hugged him again even tighter, burying her head in his chest. She then looked back up at him, "Why are you here now? I thought Mariko was going to be my dream guide this time."
"Disappointed?" Gene teased.
"No," Mai shook her head, "I'm happy to see you. But I am curious."
Gene chuckled, "Glad to hear it, though I hope Naru doesn't become too jealous."
Mai giggled, shaking her head at what Gene had said. (A/N: Poor Naru. Do you need a tissue, Naru-chan~) "But honestly, tell me why you came. You probably have a reason."
Gene nodded, becoming serious, "You need to be careful, Mai. These spirits want you."
Mai smiled, "Don't worry. Everyone's already told me that. I'll be careful."
But Gene shook his head, "You don't understand, Mai. These spirits really want you: more than any of the women from before."
Mai looked up at him, confused, "Why would those children want me so much?"
"Mai, the one these children want is actually Mariko-san. The reason they chose all those women is because their actions and personality was similar to Mariko-san."
"Can't Mariko go to them? Then the children would be able to move on along with her."
Gene sighed, "Mariko-san has already tried that. However, the children's emotions are blocking her. They cannot believe that Mariko-san is already there so they keep looking for someone to replace her, even though no one can be a substitute for Mariko-san."
"But I don't get it. Why do they want me especially? Is it because I've had contact with Mariko?"
"No, Mai. That's not why they want you."
"Then why?"
Gene looked her in the eyes, "Mai, do you remember what Mariko-san's eyes looked like?"
Mai thought for a moment, "They were a light shade of brown, like mine. . ."
Gene nodded, "Yes, Mai. Exactly like yours and not only in the colour and shape. Both your eyes and Mariko-san's carry the same warmth and kindness. And the part of Mariko-san that those children remember the most is her eyes because of the motherly tenderness they held."
Mai lowered her head, feeling her eyes tear up. She clenched Gene's shirt with both of her hands, "All they want is Mariko, but they can't see that she's right beside them."
Gene looked at the girl. He hated it when Mai cried. She had been so kind and warm, even when she had found out that he was not Naru, but Naru's dead twin brother. In that time, she had become just like a sister to him. Gene tilted her head up so that she was looking at him again and wiped away her tears with his thumb. Then he clasped both of hands together behind Mai so that he held her gently in the loop his arms created. He bent down and touched both of their foreheads together, looking her in the eyes. "You'll join those children with Mariko-san. You and Naru and the rest of your friends will solve this case together. And at the end you'll be able to see those smiles appear once again. I know that, Mai. You just have to wait for a little while longer."
Mai smiled slowly, "Un. Thank you, Gene." Gene always managed to make her smile and reassure her, no matter what problems came up.
Gene smiled, glad to see the girl smiling again, "Alright. Now you should go back now."
Mai sighed dramatically, "Yes, back to grumpy Naru. I suppose I should be jumping for joy."
"You should," Gene smirked, "You do love the guy."
Mai laughed, "I love you too, only I love you as a brother while I love him as . . . well you know."
"I do and I'm glad. He needs someone like you in his life," Gene smiled gently and touched her head, before jokingly adding, "And I need you in my afterlife so I can have a cute little sister."
Mai chuckled, "Good to know you care so much."
Gene smirked, "I know."
Mai playfully smacked his forehead, "Don't be narcissistic. That's your brother's job."
"Hence he is called Naru," Gene pointed out helpfully.
"Exactly," she grinned, making Gene chortle. Mai rubbed her eyes. She could feet everything fading.
Gene noticed, "I guess it's time for you to go."
Mai nodded, "Yeah."
"Remember to be careful, Mai," Gene warned, "Those spirits really want to you."
Mai smiled, "I will. Thank you, Gene. . ."
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Mai woke up. It was still dark. She looked beside her. Shou-chan was still sleeping peacefully, cuddled up close to her. Mai smiled, as she turned to look at the clock: 6:30 am. "Why is it that my dreams always end at terrible times?" Slowly and quietly she got up, careful not to disturb Shou-chan and the other women in the room. "I'll go get a drink. Maybe that'll help me get some sleep without these weird dreams."
She walked out of the room, careful not to make any noise. Once in the hallway, she walked in more relaxed position, even though Mai still kept as quiet as she could. Part of her didn't want to wake anyone and be a bother while the other part just wanted to avoid her friends' lecturing her on being alone. Then she realized that Naru would be rather angry if he knew. She shuddered. His anger was the one thing she had to avoid.
Mai slowly walked around the bend in front of her. Even though she had already moved away from the base and the rooms everyone was sleeping in, she still tried to be as soundless as possible. Mai knew that any sounds would be caught on the microphones she and the others had set up and Naru would know that she was walking around alone.
Slowly sliding open the door to the kitchen, she entered the room. "Thank god we didn't put any of the cameras in here and just stuck to coming in to take the temperature." Mai took the milk out of the fridge, glad that Nanami had given everyone permission to take whatever they wanted from the kitchen. She poured herself and gulped the creamy liquid, letting it cool her body. Mai went to the sink to wash the glass.
"Uh? What was that?" She turned as she placed the glass back on the shelf. Slowly she walked out of the room, listening closely. It sounded like a girl calling. "I can't understand what she's saying, though. Maybe if I get closer, I could hear it." (A/N: Great idea, Mai! You are being hunted by spirits so let's go closer to the suspicious noises!) "It's coming from the living room." She slowly opened the door and stepped in to look around. "What? That's sounds like something's moving . . ." She turned her head to look in the direction of the sound: only to see a table flying at her.
"AHHHH!"
Ha ha! I love my cliff-hangers. Don't you? Well, good luck, Mai! I wonder how you will manage to escape this one. Stuck in a room with a flying table and spirits! Ha ha! Can't wait until the next chapter! See you guys then! :D
